PERHAM, Minn. (KSAX) - Senior wrestlers Jesse Hein and Brandon Lueders of Perham were named KSAX Athletes of the Week on Jan. 31.

"We have the senior leadership this year that's a little bit better at getting everyone to get behind them. I think what's made this team better is we might not be standouts at all of those weights, but where we're not standouts, we're probably not giving up the big points," Moser said.

The 11th-ranked grapplers take on St. Cloud Apollo next Thursday.

If you know an outstanding athlete in your area, nominate them by emailing us at news@ksax.com or posting to our facebook page.

Written for the web by Joe Nelson.

jnelson@ksax.com

The lady Mainstreeters won their last two games by a combined 55 points, blowing out Long Prairie - Grey Eagle and Minnewaska Area. The 'Streeters are on a four-game win streak, sitting at 13-3 this season.

Last-year's third-place finishers in the state tournament have used returning starters and underclassmen to their advantage this year in class AA play. Coach Scott Bergman said despite being in a tough section, his squad has what it takes to go a step further this year.

"(This team is) awful competitive, they don't like to lose. We've had many games where we've come from behind to win, so I think that's an attribute that once tournament time comes, is gonna help us," Bergman said.

The Mainstreeters head to Albany Friday.

To nominate an outstanding athlete in your area, send in your recommendations to news@ksax.com.

Written for the web by Joe Nelson.

jnelson@ksax.com

"His size doesn't hurt anything. He's 6'11". He's got good hands, he's good around the basket, he's a pretty good communicator, he knows what he does well and he knows what his teammates do well," Knick said.

"I try and work hard on defense and become a better defensive player, and I can score a lot, if the guards give me the ball. I just gotta get open, and they'll get it to me," Mickelson said.

ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (KSAX) – Alexandria High School basketball player Lauren Trumm was highlighted as “Athlete of the Week” after two outstanding games.

In two consecutive games, the three-sport senior scored 48 points with 18 rebounds, 15 steals and 7 assists. Trumm was also recognized by the Central Lakes Conference as “Performer of the Week”.

Athletic Director David Hartmann said Trumm anticipates and reacts quickly on the court, creating “havoc and chaos” for the other team. Although she is being recognized by her school as a valuable player, Trumm remains humble crediting her teammates.

“All of us have the heart,” Trumm said. “We want to win. We do what we can during practice so we can play like that in a game. We’re really hard working.”

The Cardinals are 5-1 and take on Sauk Rapids-Rice December 20.

Written for the web by Laurie Stribling
lstribling@ksax.com

"Seth has been very good on both ends of the court. He's a big prescence in the middle, we can go to him on the offensive end ... Mitch is a good floor leader, understands the game very well. He kind of is able to run the show, as far as getting everybody else involved," Schueller said.

WADENA, Minn. (KSAX) – Wadena-Deer Creek volleyball player Hope Theisen was highlighted for “Athlete of the Week” after anchoring the Wolverine defense.

Theisen is only a sophomore, but Head Coach Sue Volkmann says she is an indispensible, defensive player. She has had about 330 digs this season and has not missed a serve so far.

“She makes saves that you just don’t see high school kids make,” Volkmann said. “That keeps us fired up. She’ll make a great save and it gets us just as fired up as when someone makes a great kill.”

Volkmann also described her as a quiet leader and one of the best liberos in the state.

The Wolverines are the defending state champions with a 23-4 record. The team’s next game for the section tournament will by in Wadena on Oct. 28.

Written for the web by Laurie Stribling
lstribling@ksax.com
 

EAGLE BEND, Minn. (KSAX) – Eagle Bend football leader Tyler Oftedahl was nominated for “Athlete of the Week” after setting a school record for 287 yards passing in one game. 

Oftedahl is a senior and team leader according to Head Coach John Sieling. Sieling said he has helped guide the team to their first 7-0 start in more than 10 years.

“He’s been a leader on the field, off the field,” Oftedahl said. “He does well throwing the ball. He plays defensive end, does a good job there. We have a lot of seniors this year, and they’re all leaders.”

The senior quarterback set a single-game record for 287 yards passing and is on his way to another with 10 touchdowns heading into his next game. Oftedahl credited his team for his success, and hopes they will make it to the Metrodome this year.

“It might sound crazy, but why would you settle for anything else than the state championship?” Oftedahl said. “I mean it’s a long way off, but that’s our number one goal.”

The Rebels play the Parkers Prairie Panthers Oct. 19 in Parkers Prairie. It’s the last game of the regular season.

Written for the web by Laurie Stribling
lstribling@ksax.com

LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. (KSAX) – Long Prairie-Grey Eagle tennis player Kimmy Mrozek was highlighted for KSAX-TV’s “Athlete of the Week” after clinching her 17th win this season.

The senior captain for the second year in a row holds a 17-1 record. This off-season gym rat works out four times a week during the summer to improve and maintain her fitness level.

She hopes to take home a state title after appearing in the state tournament last year.  She also is working hard to receive an athletic scholarship to continue her tennis career.

Head Coach Curt Hatfield described her as a dominant, skillful leader. He also said her game strategy is unique.

“Not many girls play a ‘charge the net’ game like she does,” Hatfield said. “So, it’s a little different to see that in female tennis.”

Written for the web by Laurie Stribling
lstribling@ksax.com

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. (KSAX) – The Montevideo Varsity Football Team was highlighted for “Athlete of the Week” after a late-game comeback against Albany.

The Thunderhawks are undefeated with a 4-0 record. On Sept 23, the team played the Huskies, who were formerly ranked second in the state, where they came back from a 21 point deficit with only 9 minutes remaining.  The team scored four consecutive touchdowns to seal the game with a 56-49 victory.

Head Coach David Vik described the team as “gutsy, speedy and explosive on both sides of the ball.” He said the teams is packed with standout players who have set school records, but the team as a whole is the true star on the field.

The Thunderhawks take on Minnewaska High School in Glenwood on Sept. 30.

Written for the web by Laurie Stribling

lstribling@ksax.com

OSAKIS, Minn. (KSAX) – Osakis High School junior Brian Thorstad was nominated for "Athlete of the Week" after surpassing 100 yards each game for the Varsity Football Team.

Thorstad has lead the Silverstreaks to an undefeated start with at least 20 carries per game. The off-season gym rat is a running back and says he’s gained 30 pounds to fill the big, varisty shoes as a junior.

Head Coach Bill Infanger described him as quiet, cooperative and hard working. He said Thorstad is a stand-out player who has worked to meet the standards expected of the position.

Written for the web by Laurie Stribling

lstribling@ksax.com

MORRIS, Minn. (KSAX) – Minnesota Morris freshman Martin Zais named UMAC’s Runner of the Week after setting new freshman record.

Zais competed in his first college meet at the St. John’s Invitational on Sept. 9 where he placed 22nd in the eight kilometer race. His time was 28:59; a new freshman record for Minnesota Morris and the sixth best time in the school’s history.

Zais was only 15 seconds late from clinching a spot in the top 20.

Written for the web by Laurie Stribling
lstribling@ksax.com

Please send in your nominations for the Athlete of the Week to news@ksax.com .